That's oh-be-GUY-n, not oh-be-GIN, as some (primarily people from Texas) would like to refer to my chosen profession. Although, working in this field can sometimes cause one to develop a penchant for gin...hmmm.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

72 hours (In bullet points, because I'm just that tired)

Listed below are 3 days (in a row) that I have had the pleasure of undergoing recently. You can't make this stuff up. The only thing that makes it better is wine. So for those of you wanting to "know what it is like to be an OB ," here you go.

Day 1

2:00 am - Page #1 - Induction for preeclampsia, asking for pain meds for contractions. Nurse didn't bother to check the orders I had called in the evening prior, for pain meds, for contractions. Oops.

10:10 pm - Have "come to Jesus" talk with post-dates patient. Decide to place vacuum. Successful vacuum with one push. Berate myself for not doing this 2 hours ago. Repair 2nd degree episiotomy. Get the birth weight right within one ounce.

20 comments:

I just wanted to tell you I have really been enjoying reading your blog! I have met some amazing OB docs in my career (and as a patient, before I was a nurse) and they tend to be such a dedicated lot of really gifted people. You sound like you give so much to your work and even tho it is hard on you, you have got to know what a difference it makes in the lives of your people! Anyway, enough babble. I am just a new l&d nurse making my way in the world, add me to your long list of readers! Have a great weekend...~Jenna

And I thought dealing with whiny students in extended office hours for the last week and a half was tough! Even without understanding most of your abbreviations, it sounds like hell, for you and several of your patients!

I don't know how you guys do it! I always wondered how my ob managed to never miss an appt with me with all the babies he delivers. He is solo practice. Well he is the only MD and has 2 CNMs with delivery privileges. But there are still enough high risk that he does to keep him busy. The only time that they tried to move an appt was my very first with him. I was like um ok, but I was told to see him only from now on because I was high risk. I was never asked to move an appt again. Demises suck. I didn't realize how hard it was for all staff involved till I had mine......

As a home birth midwife’s spouse, with 5 children, I think our family may have a similar dynamic. I am always amazed at The Midwife’s energy level and resolve on so many fronts. I could not do what you and I don’t know many men who could…

The male lions are much better suited at lying around, saving their energy in case the pride needs defending, consulting on philosophy, while the lionesses bring down the buffalo.

My hat is off to you. It ain’t easy, but you should be proud.

Russ

p.s. We do have a disparity in my house, however. The Midwife enjoys foot rubs almost nightly (well, at least when she’s not pulling an all-nighter). I have to use my birthday foot rub coupons to get one!! I respect and adore her anyway.

Dude, you have serious volume issues. Of course you're handling it fine, but you are still living like a resident! there anyone who will say, "no, I'm sorry, Dr. Whoo already has 80 patients due in May?"

Sorry you are feeling so sad that your kids missed you and were sad. It's so hard to be a mom sometimes. Sounds like you are hanging in there and doing a great job. Try not to be so hard on yourself. Your kids know you love them--they will be fine.

I thought of you and this post when my doc just missed the birth of my second kiddo May 2nd because she was pumping (she has an adorable 3 month old girl). Took me 13 hours to get from 1.5 to 7 cm, and then 10 min from 7 cm to baby. My poor doc answered her page immediately and unhooked from the pump and ran downstairs and got there right as my daughter was born. She was very apologetic, but I told her I thought she was a hero for sticking with pumping with such a hectic and demanding job.

And I think you are too! We pregnant/laboring moms are very lucky to have kind and compassionate docs who share our experiences as mothers despite the toll it takes on your lives!